TOKYO (TR) – When Japan embraces something, it often does so to extremes — and the stunning enthusiasm now bestowed on Halloween is one recent example.

An afterthought until recently, Halloween is now a top event for the year on the calendars (or smartphones) of many young people. In turn, department stores, small shops, bars and restaurants across the nation are adorned in orange and black throughout October.

Then, on the night of the 31st, celebrants dressed as everything from police officers to ghoulish creatures to video game characters clog the streets of major entertainment areas, especially in Tokyo, to drink and wander.

For this year, the Tokyo government handed out orange garbage bags in an attempt to make things slightly more orderly. Such preparation was warranted as the Shibuya and Roppongi areas were completely jammed from early evening onward.

For glimpse at the action in Roppongi, the photo gallery below offers a rundown.